But he’s said that before and just like past years it appears he is likely to come back one more time. According to Ken Davidoff of Newsday, industry sources have indicated that Pettitt is willing to come back in 2011.

This is great news as the free agent market after Cliff Lee is extremely thin so if the Yankees had to replace Pettitte as well as Javier Vazquez it would have been very hard.

It also would have been a shame because 2010 was disappointing for Pettitte. Not only did the Yankees lose, but Pettitte was dominant for most of the year only to be forced with a lingering groin injury that kept him out of action for most of the second half. It also held him back in the playoffs and that is not the way Pettitte wants to retire.

In the interview with that Texas radio station, Pettitte said that no matter what he decides 2011 will be his last year. That’s the way to go out, give Yankees fans a chance to realize that they are seeing the final year of a terrific pitcher. There will be ovations, chanting, and lots of adoration. 2011 will be a special year for Pettitte.

About Rob Abruzzese

Rob Abruzzese created Bronx Baseball Daily in 2008 just before graduating from Brooklyn College. He currently serves BBD as its editor and works as a reporter at the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Follow Rob on Twitter @RobAbruzzese.

The Good: The # of wins, the rings, the 19 postseason wins. It seemed like every postseason, he was there (even with Houston). The consistency.

The Bad: No CYA to hang his hat on, ERA a bit high for the HOF (see Jack Morris and his struggles getting in). The HGH. Some years overlooked because of having Wells, Clemens, El Duque, Cone, Mussina, CC, Oswalt on his own team.

Prognosis: Borderline HOF candidate. A very tough call. In the same boat with Mussina?